OPI • Crystal File • Tools

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*TOP REVIEWER* leGingbot on 11/20/2012 1:09:00 AM more reviews by leGingbot

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This was the first crystal nail file I bought, and while I now alternate between it and my NailTek file, this one will always be my favorite.
I have very soft, weak nails that tend to peel into layers at the tips, and the metal files I used to use just seemed to exacerbate the problem (granted, they were not even close to high quality nail files). So when I bought a treatment to strengthen my weak nails, I tossed the nail file in, thinking it couldn't hurt.
The texture was the hardest to get used to. Filing my nails with metal was bad enough, but crystal...oh god, the first weeks I dreaded it because it just felt like nails on a chalkboard to me. It took a while for me to transition from metal to crystal because of the texture alone.
I'm happy to report, though, that the state of my nails greatly improved with the use of the file (although the strengthening system also has helped)-the splitting and peeling of my nails has gone down drastically, and the ends of my nails are smooth, strong, and the texture hardly bothers me anymore.
The file is pretty durable, although it is glass and care should be taken. I store mine in a little box with other nail implements on my bedside table. The end of it is somewhat pointy, so be careful not to jab yourself. Other than that, it's great.

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prettykitty80 on 11/1/2012 8:18:00 PM more reviews by prettykitty80

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I lurrve my OPI file! We're very limited as to the brands we can buy here in Australia, so to be able to find a quality crystal file made me pretty happy :)
It's gentle but efficient and doesn't make that horrible squeaky noise ;/ I use it weekly to smoothe out my nails and shorten them a little. I keep it in the tube thingy as I've heard they can be fragile, and haven't had a problem. I'd consider buying another one for my purse, but I only really file my nails at home anyway...unless God forbid i broke one, eek!

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Perfumefan on 12/21/2011 6:34:00 AM more reviews by Perfumefan

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

I bought 3 of these expensive OPI crystal files because of all the raves. I'm on my third now, they're sooo fragile. And I've always been very careful with them, go figure.

I don't notice any difference with a regular diamond file, except the OPI breaks so easily. And the tip is extremely sharp; much sharper than regular files. I've pricked myself with it more often than I'd like, and drew blood every time. As soon as this last one breaks, I'll be going back to a diamond file.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

dyanp989 on 4/20/2011 9:19:00 PM more reviews by dyanp989

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Love, love, love this! I'm on number 2 (it is crystal and is definitely fragile ...if your S.O. Is anything like mine, don't expect it to last very long under harsh conditions). I bought my second and have since bought two more - one for my mom, and one for my 94 year old grandmother. Expensive fir a file, but so gentle it's worth every penny.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ashleydutta on 6/29/2010 12:15:00 AM more reviews by ashleydutta

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

My gosh, why am I the only one who doesn't like this? I absolutely hate this file! I thought that glass crystal files were supposed to be more gentle on the nails and file them more smoothly -- NOT this. it is as bad as any cheap emory board or bad metal file. I started with long nails, and had nubs after using this once. It ground them completely down! the surface is very coarse. i couldn't shape my nails at all without the file eating them all away :-(. TERRIBLE file, and to think, I bought 2 of them! :-(.

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Xarina on 5/11/2010 9:54:00 AM more reviews by Xarina

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is my first crystal nail file and I like what I see! Compared to emery files, this files more with less effort. I also did a little test where I filed one index finger with the OPI crystal nail file and my other index finger with a normal emery file and I could feel the difference, the crystal nail file is much more smooth and sleek whereas the emery felt kind of rough in comparison. Some people complain about the feeling, I couldn't understand so I filed my bf's nails and he cringed and was like "it feels like I'm scratching a chalkboard" and I was like wha? I don't feel like that... and then he goes... "When I was in middle school, I would purposely scratch the chalkboard to make that annoying sound to piss ppl off..." So unless you know the feeling of scratching your nails on a chalkboard I doubt the feeling should bother you. NO it doesn't make the chalkboard sound when you file your nails! I guess the "feeling"? But I wouldn't know what it feels like.. since I never did that during my high school career.. anyways! I love this nail file... though I keep looking at Nail Tek's crystal file case... with envy.. but other than that it's awesome! I too will probably never go back to using emery boards... :)

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baxy8 on 12/8/2009 9:17:00 PM more reviews by baxy8

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I bought this file recently at Winners for only $4.99! Deal of the century. It didn't come with any directions or anything and I threw away the packaging! Oops.
I've never tried this kind of nail file before, but I love it. It is gentle, and doesn't leave my nails ragged after filing. The only thing I don't like is the smell of my nails being filed away. Maybe its just me?

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*TOP REVIEWER* ChristmasMom on 11/4/2009 12:58:00 PM more reviews by ChristmasMom

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I have only tried two crystal files, the OPI one and the NailTek XL. The NailTek XL was a clunker - - it makes a slightly squeaky sound - - you know- -fingernails on the chalkboard sound - - so I can't use it. The OPI one is grittier. No squeaking. Does a great job of filing. I use it only with polish on my nails and have no trouble washing off the stains from even vampy colors. There is sometimes a slight smell in the air when I really file down a nail.

I keep my file in its protective sleeve at all times (except when it is in use). It is fragile. It stays in my nail care tote. I have a plastic tote with my nail stuff in it. Everything stays together nicely.

I rarely clip and can't remember the last time I used an emory board. This makes the best finish on the tip.

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mmtt on 10/6/2009 1:26:00 AM more reviews by mmtt

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is the second glass file I had bought. The first was one I bought in the drugstore that I bought after a month.

Pros: 1) works great. I no longer cut/clip my nails - only file. They have not ripped, chipped, peeled, snagged like usual despite my normal abuse. They have been a real benefit to my nails, which is great b/c I am very low maintainance. 2) It is two sided. 3) Thickness is ideal - not too thick or thin. 4) lasts and easy to clean

Cons: 1) must remember to keep it in the plastic tube that it comes in. I am sure it will break if dropped on the floor or counter. 2) It is relatively expensive. I am pretty clumsy, so I decided to buy in bulk. I took the advice of another poster and bought online from TransDesign. It ended up being about $8 each, including shipping (this was for a pack of 10). I know it sounds extreme, but it comes down to a several files for me and plenty of stocking stuffers for girlfriends. I think if you just want to try it out, you can go get it a single.

In the end, it really is a wonderful tool and well worth the money. Tons better than metal or paper type files.

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shaunix3 on 10/6/2009 12:22:00 AM more reviews by shaunix3

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This is the only file that touches my nails! I didn't know to use it wet (mine didn't come with any kind of instructions?) But it does great. My boyfriend broke the plastic case it comes in, and my mom managed to snap off the handle. The girl at Beauty Brands told me to be sure to keep the plastic tube to store it in, and sure enough it got broken. I keep it in my OPI case to keep it safe from being swiped by my thief cat. I still use even the the handle is long gone. Overall I love this, and I would like to get another when I have money (I paid $10 + tax) I would recommend to anyone who wants to take good care of their nails in little time :D

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*TOP REVIEWER* vmelkic on 8/21/2009 12:17:00 PM more reviews by vmelkic

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Red, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I love this crystal file and it's much easier to take care of my nails since I bought it. :)
It's not cheap for a file, but it's really worth every penny I paid for it.

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Jayemceetee on 4/5/2009 6:25:00 PM more reviews by Jayemceetee

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other   Eyes: Green    

It does what it says on the tin! I love the file and I love what it does to my nails. I wore extensions for twenty years and had them removed last September. I've just about grown out the old nail plate, and decided to buy this item to stop my nails from peeling.

The downside is that I decided to use it on my toes, and it snapped in half.

For that reason I've given it 4 instead of 5.

It would be nice if it was supplied with some sort of protective case, although I suppose a plastic tube is better than nothing!

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*TOP REVIEWER* jaqi16 on 2/25/2009 1:35:00 PM more reviews by jaqi16

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Wow! I had no idea what I was missing out on until I got this. I didn't really think there could be that much difference between a regular file and this, but there is...a HUGE difference. This file really smooths the edges so well, and files quickly and easily. Plus it is washable too. I will definitely get a backup (or 2), just in case something happens to this one. I think the other reviewers had a good description comparing your filed natural nail to the smoothness of filed acrylic nails. Another good point is there is no debris stuff winding up under your nails as you file. Also crystal files are supposed to be much better for your nails, since they seal the layers better. I got mine online through www.transdesign.com, and I believe it was about $7. The money is worth it though, since it isn't supposed to wear out. I wish it had a protective case (like the nailtek files I've seen, not tried though), but it did come in a plastic tube, so I will be storing it in there when not in use.

I will never use a different file again ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥!!!! HG!!

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gelo on 9/15/2008 5:05:00 AM more reviews by gelo

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

this is a great nail file that i didn't intend to purchase but it came free with the opi start to finish that i bought. i didn't even know such a product existed. i hardly ever bother with my nails, other than cutting them, but i thought i should start. i ended up not liking the start to finish and loving the opi crystal nail file. it's fragile but comes in a plastic tube. it files better than anything i've tried before. it files smooth edges with less effort. it works better when damp. i didn't know that you have to wet it before use so i used it dry when i first tried it. i like how it can be sanitized.

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*TOP REVIEWER* thespacecowgirl on 7/13/2008 12:06:00 AM more reviews by thespacecowgirl

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I see no reason to buy this over the cheaper version at the drugstore or Sephora, and am scratching my head as to what I was thinking at the time. Using this wet as directed, it's totally amazing how quickly and easily it files my nails - just medium pressure will do the job, unlike seemingly hours of sawing away with a typical nail file, but again, you can buy a glass file for ~$5 at the drugstore or Sephora. US$13.95 @ enailsupply.com.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* kschmiddy on 5/30/2008 3:51:00 AM more reviews by kschmiddy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This was my first real glass/crystal file (glass and crystal are just two marketing words for the same type of file btw) and I got OPIs because I heard Essie's glass file was very thick and some people had trouble getting it under their nails. I have to say that all the raves about glass/crystal files are right because I was amazed that it actually files my nails FASTER! I just brush it across the nail and more of the nail comes off than with a regular emery board, it saves a lot of time. Not to mention that glass/crystal files never get used up or old and you can keep them forver. Just wash them or wet them if you get build up. This came in a nice plastic case and cost about $10 but I thought it was worth it since I intend to keep it for a long time. I ordered it from 8ty8beauty.com but it's likely sold in Ulta or at salons, etc. It's double sided and one end has a smooth handle while the rough end comes to a point.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* cyndiinphilly on 3/15/2008 6:10:00 PM more reviews by cyndiinphilly

Age: 44-55   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is the best glass file I've used. It's thinner than the Essie one, which makes it easier to use for me. It comes in a plastic tube to protect it. Make my nails smooth and even.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No